Maharishi Parshuram

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The sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Maharishi Parshuram, was a warrior, yet serene, had valor yet patience and was aggressive yet prudent. He first appeared during the dwapar yuga (Mahabharata) period and is believed to reappear in Kali Yuga (current times) to train Lord Vishnu’s tenth incarnation, Kalki. In this blog, we discuss His life during the Mahabharata period and His immortality.

The Kindling

Born during the transition between Treta Yuga* and Dwapara Yuga*, according the Mahabharata, Maharishi Parshuram was born in a dynasty that was predominant in the divine radiance (Brahmatej) and kindled with the radiance of the warrior spirit (Kshatratej). Due to this, Maharishi Parshuram is described in the scriptures as someone who had a mammoth like body, matted hair, a bow on His shoulders and an Axe (Parashu) in His hand. Hence the name Parashuraam.

Inheritance

Born to Sage Jamadagni (one of the seven sages who received wisdom directly from Lord Shiva), and wife Renuka, Lord Parshuram is the only incarnation of Lord Vishnu who never dies, doesn’t return to the abstract form of Lord Vishnu and remains in a meditative state till Kalki comes along.

Guru to the Mighty

Maharishi Parshuram mentored and guided mighty warriors like Bhishma from Mahabharata, Karna (Duryodhan’s best friend from Mahabharata and also the son of Sun) and Dronacharya who was the royal protector and Guru of Kauravas and Pandavas.

Rudramsha (An Element of Lord Shiva)

When Lord Shiva was training Maharishi Parshuram to be a warrior, He gifted Him Rudramsha. Rudra is another name for Lord Shiva and Ansha is a small piece or element of something. Rudramsha is therefore an element of Lord Shiva Himself. This made Maharishi Parshuram immortal, unless killed by Lord Shiva Himself. This Rudramsha was also presented to other beings who became immortal (more on this later).

The Protector

Legends say that Lord Parshurama reclaimed land from sea in the western coast and southern states by throwing His axe in the sea. It is said the water receded till as far as the axe reached. There are also many legends about Him killing His own mother and then asking for Her back and getting Her, killing all the Kshatriyas and then promising to stay away from them in order to have warriors etc., but we aren’t sure of the sources and the authenticity of those.

Lessons We Can Learn

Devotion – Lord Parshuram’s devotion for His parents and Lord Shiva was incomparable. His selfless and unconditional devotion was the reason He was blessed with boons and the wisdom He attained.

Humility – Any incarnation, whether it is Lord Rama, Lord Krishna or Lord Hanuman, knows what they are born for and where they come from. While they live amongst us mortals, they know what they are here for and how capable they are. Being all that and coming directly as an incarnation of the supreme, they are also infused with human emotions and senses in order to be able to experience human life. During this, to be able to not let those take over and stay humble, is one of the most difficult tasks that Lord Parshurama had no difficulty in. Guess He knew He was going to be immortal and made smart choices.

Acceptance

While being an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Maharishi Parshuram prayed to Lord Shiva as a human. He accepted His human life and practiced devotion like any human would. No special preferences and no bias. No, we are the holy trinity and I get this by default. Uh huh. This is what makes the acceptance bit a lesson. Our Gods teach us acceptance, equality and fairness in every way and through every incarnation.

Mystical Connection with Kalki

Maharishi Parshuram's role extends beyond his exploits in the Mahabharata. It is believed that he will resurface in the present age, the Kali Yuga, to fulfill a profound purpose. According to Hindu scriptures, he is destined to be the mentor of Lord Vishnu's tenth and final incarnation, Kalki. This cosmic connection underscores the timeless nature of Maharishi Parshuram's existence, transcending epochs to guide and shape the destiny of the divine.

Unraveling Immortality and the Symbolic Axe

The enigma surrounding Maharishi Parshuram's immortality is deeply rooted in a divine exchange with Lord Shiva. During his rigorous training under the tutelage of Lord Shiva, Parshuram was bestowed with Rudramsha—an elemental gift from the Supreme God. Rudramsha, a fragment of Lord Shiva himself, bestowed upon him the gift of immortality, with the condition that only Lord Shiva could end his life. The symbolic axe (Parashu) carried by Parshuram became more than a physical weapon; it embodied his unbreakable connection with the divine realm, marking him as an eternal guardian and a living testament to the intricate interplay between mortal and immortal realms.

As we celebrate Lord Parshuram’s birthday this day, let’s all practice unhindered devotion, selfless love, humility and acceptance.